Untouchablelad has pedigree for bigger things

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The Untouchablelad has been knocking on the door and gets a golden opportunity to breakthrough over a suitable 1,650-metre journey in a tricky opening leg of tomorrow night's Happy Valley Triple Trio, estimated at HK$3 million.

The New Zealand-bred three-year-old was never a factor when stepping out for his debut at Sha Tin in mid-November, but took the bull by the horns in two 1,200m runs last month at Happy Valley - coming from well back with a strong final 400 metres in 23.04 for third behind Megabucks and Asian Citrus at 70-1 odds, before making another swift 22.55 sectional from near last down the outside with a visor for third again behind Perfect Gear and Just Chill.

A son of Monolith and the Lord Ballina-mare Kilmaghenny, The Untouchablelad is a half brother to Royal Admiral, a winner of the Group Two Singapore Queen Elizabeth II Cup over 2,000m in 2007, and will be suited perfectly to this trip.

Trainer Peter Ho Leung has taken the visor off him this time, but he should be toppling them all late for regular rider Alex Lai Hoi-wing.

Leo's Pride defied an outside gate to break his duck last month over this course and distance and has top apprentice Matthew Chadwick's claim to compensate for a six-point penalty.

He can play a dual banker role from a good gate, while in-form Bobo Win, Absolute Hedge, Baby Wave, Fortune Warrior, Tremendous Plus, Amityship and Implied Volatility are possible place chances.

In the middle leg, Something Special looks a standout. The five-year-old finished a close second over this course and distance in mid-October, then struck a difficult run over the 2,200m, before a rallying third last start behind Spinnaker at Sha Tin.

Olympicship has hit a purple patch of form with placings since being moved to the city course and should be in the firing line throughout from gate three under Darren Beadman, while Super Surprise, Fantastic Dancer, New Idea, Redoute Star and Jolly Wongchoy are other contenders.

Trainer Casper Fownes rarely leaves a midweek meeting without a winner, and O'Reilly Magic can carry the flag for the stable.

He has not been worse than fourth in three runs, including a last-start fourth from an outside gate behind Go Lucky Go and last-start winner Luminous, and will be in the line of battle from gate five.

Moon Chaser has put the writing on the wall with straight seconds, including a nose effort behind Mings' Hero over this course and trip, and will only need luck from gate 10 to have a say in the finish.Flying In, Solar Energy, Lasker, Victory Style and Juggernaut are worth including in calculations.